Automation Engineer III - BMS/PLC/OEM

Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 99,000 - 183,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Life insurance

Disability benefits

401(k) with company match

Generous leave

Job summary

Novartis is seeking an Automation Engineer III for an on-site role in Durham, NC to support GMP manufacturing systems. You will maintain and improve BMS, PLC, and OEM automation, lead capital project activities, and drive compliance with FDA 21 CFR Part 11.

Responsibilities include design and validation documentation, lifecycle management, and collaboration with Manufacturing and Quality teams to resolve complex production issues. Home office relocation is not provided.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, computer science or related field.
• 5+ years in pharma/biopharma GMP operations or 9+ years equivalent.
• Hands-on experience with DCS platforms (DeltaV preferred).
• Experience with PLC, BMS, SCADA/HMI in regulated environments.
• Familiarity with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 and validation/change controls.
• Knowledge of OSI PI data historians and industrial protocols.

Responsibilities

• Maintain, troubleshoot, and optimize BMS, PLC, OEM and other automation systems.
• Lead automation activities for capital projects, upgrades, and enhancements.
• Develop and maintain validation docs (URS, FS, DDS, HDS, SDS).
• Support change controls and regulatory compliance initiatives.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing and Quality to resolve complex issues.
• Provide on-site support for GMP manufacturing operations.

Skills

GMP collaboration

Regulatory awareness

Cross-functional teamwork

Effective communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science

Related technical field

Tools

DeltaV

DCS

PLC

SCADA/HMI

OSI PI

Job description

Job Description Summary

Imagine being the automation expert who helps keep critical manufacturing systems running seamlessly while supporting the production of medicines that impact patients around the world. As an Automation Engineer III focused on BMS, PLC, and OEM systems, you'll play a key role in maintaining and enhancing complex manufacturing automation platforms, partnering across Engineering, Manufacturing, and Quality teams to deliver reliable, compliant, and efficient operations. This is an opportunity to apply your technical expertise across GMP manufacturing systems, drive continuous improvement initiatives, and influence projects that support current operations as well as future manufacturing capabilities.

Job Description

Location:

• This position will be located in Durham, NC and will be an onsite role.


• Novartis is unable to offer relocation support for this role: please only apply if this location is accessible for you.

Key Responsibilities:

• Maintain, troubleshoot, and optimize BMS, PLC, OEM, and other manufacturing automation systems.


• Support design, configuration, installation, and lifecycle management of automation hardware and software.


• Integrate OEM and third‑party equipment with site DCS, BMS, and manufacturing systems.


• Lead automation activities for capital projects, upgrades, and system enhancements.


• Develop URS, FS, DDS, HDS, and SDS documentation for automation solutions.


• Execute and support change controls, validation activities, and regulatory compliance initiatives.


• Partner with Manufacturing and Quality teams to resolve complex production issues.


• Support GMP manufacturing operations through on‑call and operational support activities.


• Drive continuous improvement projects that enhance reliability, compliance, and operational efficiency.


• Maintain automation procedures, SOPs, and system records in alignment with FDA and GMP requirements.

Essential Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field.


• Minimum 5 years of experience in pharmaceutical or biopharmaceutical GMP manufacturing operations, or 9 years of equivalent industry experience.


• Hands‑on experience programming, troubleshooting, and maintaining DCS platforms, preferably DeltaV.


• Experience supporting PLC, BMS, and SCADA/HMI systems in a regulated manufacturing environment.


• Knowledge of automation validation, change controls, and FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements.


• Experience with data historian technologies, preferably OSI PI.


• Strong understanding of industrial communication protocols, instrumentation, and control system architecture.


• Excellent communication and collaboration skills with the ability to work across technical and business teams.

Novartis Compensation and Benefit Summary:

The salary for this position is expected to range between $98,700 and $183,300 annually

The final salary offered is determined based on factors like, but not limited to, relevant skills and experience, and upon joining Novartis will be reviewed periodically. Novartis may change the published salary range based on company and market factors.

Your compensation will include a performance‑based cash incentive and, depending on the level of the role, eligibility to be considered for annual equity awards.

US‑based eligible employees will receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, life and disability benefits, a 401(k) with company contribution and match, and a variety of other benefits. In addition, employees are eligible for a generous time off package including vacation, personal days, holidays and other leaves.

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EEO Statement:

The Novartis Group of Companies are Equal Opportunity Employers. We do not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.

Accessibility and reasonable accommodations

The Novartis Group of Companies are committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, or to perform the essential functions of a position, please send an e‑mail to [e-mail] or call [phone] and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message.

Salary Range

$98,700.00 - $183,300.00

Skills Desired

Business Continuity, Cost Management, Operational Excellence, Quality Compliance